War Is Coming. Business Goes On.
You are the owner of a small pawnshop in Huaian's South Market.
Every day, customers arrive with all kinds of belongings.
Some bring family heirlooms. Some are desperate for money. Others carry objects whose origins are anything but clear.
An old pocket watch, a jade pendant, a worn inkstone... Are they genuine? How much are they worth? And what should you offer?
Your judgment is what keeps the business alive.
A Good Eye Makes a Good Deal
Pick up each item, turn it over, and examine it closely. Look for signs of wear, engravings, repairs, and clues hidden in its materials and craftsmanship.
Something old isn't necessarily genuine. Something repaired isn't necessarily fake.
You might discover a valuable treasure for next to nothing鈥攐r spend half your savings on a convincing imitation.
Knowing what you're buying is the first rule of the trade.
Every Customer Has Their Reasons
Every customer has a story to tell, and those looking to sell have a price in mind.
Some need money urgently. Some know exactly what their possessions are worth. Others struggle to part with something they've cherished for years.
Listen to their stories, test their expectations, and decide whether to make an offer.
Sometimes a few extra silver dollars can secure a profitable purchase. Sometimes pushing too hard means watching a good opportunity walk out the door.
Buy Low, Sell Wisely
Buying an item is only the beginning.
Read the daily newspaper to follow market trends, local news, and notices of stolen property.
Find the right buyer for the right item, and look for opportunities as prices rise and fall.
But not everything is easy to sell. Goods of uncertain origin might promise handsome profits鈥攐r attract unwanted attention from the local police.
Sell now for a quick return, or hold on and risk everything for a better price?
One Pawnshop, a Living City
The people of Huaian have lives beyond your counter.
Scholars, merchants, police officers, and ordinary townsfolk come and go, bringing their possessions, troubles, and stories of the city.
Some will remember how you treated them, while others will find their lives quietly reshaped by the changing times.
A lively street may grow silent. A familiar face may one day stop appearing.
From behind your counter, you watch an entire city slowly change.
War Draws Near. When Will You Leave?
Beyond the city walls, the fighting grows closer with each passing day.
Trade routes are disrupted. Prices fluctuate. Business becomes increasingly uncertain, and leaving the city grows ever more costly.
You can leave early and protect what you've earned鈥攐r keep your doors open, hoping for one last profitable deal.
But no one knows whether tomorrow will bring another opportunity.
When to close your shop, and how much you take with you, is entirely up to you.
In troubled times, what is truly valuable?
